Education Abroad supports faculty and staff in their efforts to create valuable international learning opportunities for Seattle University students. We are available to assist with any questions regarding policies, planning, and program design to develop quarter, multi-quarter, and short-term study abroad.
All faculty/staff-led programs involving students abroad are required to work with our office prior to departure. Depending on whether or not your students will be receiving credit for their work abroad will determine the exact steps that will need to be completed.
See the sections below detailing Program Development to learn how to start the process and to find various resources and documents that need to be completed before departure. As with all educational programming, a successful program requires thorough and intentional planning. Reach out to our office as early as possible so we can provide the best support to you and your students. We are here to help!
For more information and for any questions, please email Dario Ogaz, Specialist (ogazd@seattleu.edu)
10 Minute Presentation (Introduction to Education Abroad Office)
30 Minute Presentation (Full Education Abroad 101 Session)
Students will be completing the first step in our process!
Education Abroad Classroom & Department-Specific Presentations Booking
EAO tries to find programs that have courses that best fit our students' academic needs, as well as interesting courses not offered at Seattle University. We have found unique programs for specific majors such as field research for Marine and Conservation Biology students in the Galapagos Islands, internships within specific career fields along side abroad courses, and research opportunities that focus on critical global issues.
Our Education Abroad Advisors would love to build a stronger relationship and collaborate with faculty and department chairs to identify programs, course mapping, etc. Please email our advisors, Kirsti Ruud (ruudk@seattleu.edu) and Jennifer Chan (chanj@seattleu.edu) to start!
It is the goal of the Education Abroad Office (EAO) to assist faculty in developing high-quality international programs that offer a connection to our mission and values of academic excellence, diversity and empowerment of leaders for a just and humane world. Our international programs should reflect elements that enhance the curriculum in ways that cannot be accomplished by offering it on campus alone.
When developing an international program proposal, there are several things to take into consideration. First, program development takes time. At least one year of lead time is strongly recommended. Each Seattle University College and School has its own requirements for the program proposal and approval process. It is advised to consult with your dean to find out which deadline to meet.
Consult with the Education Abroad Office for support, policy guidance and curricular considerations, as well as assistance with identifying in-country resources. We have created a Program Development Guide that details the process of creating a program and a Program Management & Policy Guide to help you implement your program while adhering to SU processes and guidelines.
An important step early step in program planning is the creation of a budget to account for costs associated with the execution of the course. This includes: accommodations (for students and faculty), course materials, course activities (ie. museum visits, guest lecturers, cultural activities, etc.), transportation, and other expenses that will factor into the Program Fee charged to each student.
It is important to set up a program budget in advance of any financial activity. Program Leaders should work with their school/college budget manager for this process.
It is the goal of the Education Abroad Office (EAO) to assist faculty and staff leaders in developing high-quality international programs that offer a connection to our mission and values of professional formation, diversity and empowerment of leaders for a just and human world. Non-credit international programs, most often service projects, offer students a unique opportunity for international engagement through direct experience. Below is a brief overview of the planning and implementation process.
1. To start the process, please complete the Intent to Run Short-Term Program Form below according to the listed deadlines. Our office will review the form and reach out to begin planning next steps.
Intent to run Short-term program form
Winter Break Travel - October 1st
Spring Break Travel - December 1st
Summer Break Travel - April 1st
2. Next, review the Program Leader Timeline - Non-Credit Program which details the deadlines for various steps of the process. These deadlines have been established to allow for proper planning, risk management, and student preparation. Missing a deadline can jeopardize your program's approval.
3. At this point, Education Abroad will work with you and your students to complete all required documents. For Program Leaders this includes Program Leader Forms and Workshops. For students this is an online Horizons registration and attending mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation.
4. Travel Abroad!
Please reach out to Dario Ogaz, Specialist with any questions at ogazd@seattleu.edu
*All required documents must be turned in by the deadline listed on the International Non-Credit Timeline.
*If a student participant will graduate prior to the start of the program, please consult with EAO regarding proper paperwork and procedures.
Independent study or internships conducted abroad are an important option in SU's range of international experiences for students. Setting realistic goals for academic work is essential within the constraints of the student's language capacity, cultural barriers and opportunities, age, ethnicity and gender considerations.
Please adhere to SU policy and procedures, and advise students to plan with Education Abroad.
Faculty and students should carefully consider health and safety conditions of the student's choice of program site with particular regard for the Policy on Seattle University-Related Travel to High Risk International Locations.
Seattle University is committed to providing international travel opportunities for study, research, service, training, immersions, internships and other activities that fulfill the University’s educational mission. There is, however, inherent risk in international travel and in light of heightened health and safety risks in certain locations. Seattle University prohibits University-related activities and programs involving students to occur in locations under any of the following travel advisories or restrictions:
In compliance with Seattle University’s policy, individual students, faculty, staff, or program leaders who wish to travel to regions identified as having a high level of risk to health and safety according to the organizations listed above, may petition for an exception to this policy. A petition must be submitted for review to the SU International Risk Assessment Committee by the deadlines listed below:
*Failure to complete the petition by the established deadline will jeopardize the approval of the program.
Petition Instructions
Click here for full policy and instructions for the Travel Advisory Petition.
University employment includes Cigna Insurance for both business and personal travel. This is not a sickness or hospitalization insurance program, but a comprehensive program for information, referral, coordination and assistance services designed to respond to most medical care situations abroad. You can pick up a brochure and participant card from the Human Resources Office.
Students are enrolled in mandatory health insurance with CISI for the duration of the program. The link attached will provide more information on coverage and CISI policies.
We strongly encourage Program leader to purchase this same insurance which covers international travel and medical coverage. Please contact Education Abroad for more information.